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GROUP (E): CLASS WORK PROBLEMS

Q-1) By vectors method, prove that the diagonals of rhombus are perpendicular to
each other.
Ans. Let ABCD be a rhombus
Let AB a = and AD b =
ABCD is a rhombus
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) l AB l BC l CD l AD = = =
(By triangle law of addition of vectors)


BD BA AD a b = + = +
Now AC AB BC a b = + = +
( ) ( )
. . AC BD a b a b = + + . . . . a a a b b a b b = + +
2 2
a b = +
2 2
0 b b = =
AC BD AC BD
the diagonals AC and BD of rhombus are right angles.

Q-2) Using vectors prove that, if the diagonals of a parallelogram are at right
angles then it is rhombus.
Ans. Let ABCD be a parallelogram
Let AC AB BC a b = + = +
And BD BA AD a b = + = +
the diagonals AC and BD are perpendicular
. 0 AC BD =
( ) ( )
0 a b a b + + =
. . . . 0 a a a b b a b b + + =
2 2
b a = a b = ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) l AB l BC l CD l AD = = =
the parallelogram ABCD is a rhombus.








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Q-3) Show by vector method. If the diagonal of a parallelogram are congruent then
it is a rectangle.
Ans. Let ABCD be parallelogram
Let , AB a AD b = =
From ABC, by triangle law,
AC AB BC a b = + = +
From ABC, by triangle law,
BD BC CD b a = + =


We have to prove that ABCD is a rectangle i.e. to prove that a b
Since the diagonals AC and BD are congruent
AC BD =
2 2
AC BD =
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
. . a b a b b a b a + + =
. . . . . . . . a a a b b a b b b b b a a b a a + + + = +
2
2 2 2
2 . 2 . a b a b b a b a + + = +
2 . 2 . 0 a b a b + =
( )
4 . 0 a b = . 0 a b =
a b AB AD AB AD
The parallelogram ABCD is a rectangle

Q-4) Show by vector method that the sum of the squares of the diagonals of a
parallelogram is equal to the sum of the squares of its sides.
Ans.
Let ABCD be a parallelogram and , AB a AD b = = .
Then AB DC a = = and AD BC b = =
Now, OC a b = + and DB a b = .

( ) ( )
2
. . OC OC OC a b a b = = + + . . . . a a a b b a b b = + + +
2 2
2 . a a b b = + + ( . . ) a b b a =
( ) ( )
2
. . DB DB DB a b a b = = . . . . a a a b b a b b = +
2 2
2 . a a b b = + . (ii)
Adding (i) and (ii),we get
2 2 2 2 2 2
OC DB a b a b + = + + +
2 2 2 2
AB BC C AD = + + +
This proves the result.


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Q-5) Using vectors, prove that altitudes of a triangle are concurrent.
Ans. In ABC, let the altitudes AD and BE
intersect in H.
Let the line HC meet the line AB in F.
We have to prove that CH is also an
altitude of the ABC.
i.e. To prove that HC AB


we take H as the origin, let , , a b c be the p.v. of A, B, C respectively w.r.t. H
, , HA a HB b HC c = = =
Since AD is an altitude AD BC
i.e. 0 HA BC =
( )
0 a c b = . . 0 a c a b = (i)
Also BE is an altitude
BE CA . 0 HB CA =
( )
0 b a c =
. . 0 b a b c = (ii)
Adding (i) and (ii)
. . . . 0 a c a b b a b c + =
. . . . 0 c a b a b a b c + =
. . 0 c a c b = . . 0 c b c a =
( )
. 0 c b a =
HC AB

Q-6) Using vectors prove perpendicular bisector of sides of a triangle are
concurrent.
In ABC, let the perpendicular bisectors
of BC and AB meet at 0.
Let N be the mid-point of AC
Let , , , , a b c l m and n be p.v. of point A,B,
C, L, M, N w.r.t. origin O and L,M,N are
midpoint of BC, AB and AC respectively

Ans.
, ,
2 2 2
b c a b a c
l m and n
+ + +
= = =
Now OL BC OL BC
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( )
. 0 l c b =
( )
0
2
b c
c b
| |
+
=
|
|
\

. . 0 c c b b = . . c c b b = . (i)
Similarly
OM AB . . a a b b = (ii)

. . . a a b b c c = =
Consider
( )
. . ON AC n c a =
( )
2
a c
c a
| |
+
=
|
|
\
( )
1
. .
2
c c a a = ( )
1
0 0
2
= =
ON AC
The perpendicular bisectors of the sides of triangle are concurrent.

Q-7) Using vectors prove that median of triangle are concurrent
Ans. Let ABC be a triangle and E D, andF are
the mid points of the sides , BC CA and
AB respectively. Let , , , , , p a b c d e and
f are the position vectors of , , , , A B C D E
and F respectively with respect

to some origin O .By mid point formula

. 2
2
b c
d d b c
+
= = + (i)
2
2
c a
e e c a
+
= = + (ii)
2
2
a b
f f a b
+
= = + (iii)
Adding , , a b and c on both sides of (i), (ii) and (iii) respectively, we get
2d a a b c + = + + 2e b a b c + = + + 2f c a b c + = + +
Dividing by 3
2
3 3
d a a b c + + +
= (iv)
2
3 3
e b a b c + + +
= (v)
2
3 3
f c a b c + + +
= (vi)
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from equations (iv), (v) and (vi), we can write

( )
2 2 2
2 1 2 1 2 1 3
d a e b f c a b c
g say
+ + + + +
= = = =
+ + +
(vi)
Let G be a point whose p.v. is g .
Therefore by section formula, G divides AD , BE and CF internally in ratio 1 : 2 .
Here , AD BE and CF are the medians of a triangle ABC and all are passing
through same point G, (which is centroid of a triangle.) Hence medians of a triangle
are concurrent.

Q-8) Prove that the bisectors of the angles of a triangle are concurrent.
Ans.
Let , , a b c be the position vectors of the
vertices , , A B C of ABC and let the
lengths of the sides , BC CA and AB be
, , x y z respectively. If segments

, , AD BE CF are the bisectors of the angles , , A B C respectively, thenD divides the
sides BC in the ratio : AB AC i.e. y z: , E divides the side AC in the ratio : BA BC
i.e. x z: and F divides the side AB in the ratio : AC BC i.e. x y: .
Hence by section formula, the position vectors of the points D, E and F are
( ) ( ) ( ) ; ; y z d yb zc z x e zc xa x y f xa yb + = + + = + + = +
( ) ( ) ( ) y z d xa z x e yb x y f zc xa yb zc + + = + + = + + = + +
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
( )
y z d xa z x e yb x y f zc
xa yb zc
p
y z x z x y x y z x y z
+ + + + + +
+ +
= = = =
+ + + + + + + +
(say)
This show that the point P whose position vector is p , lies on the three bisectors
respectively.
Hence three bisector segments are concurrent in the point whose position vectors
is
xa yb zc
x y z
+ +
+ +
. This point of concurrence of bisectors is called Incentre of ABC .






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Q-9) Using vectors, prove angle subtended on a semi circle is right angle.
Ans. Let ACB be a semi-circle whose diameter
is AB , O be the centre of the circle. We
have to prove that ACB is a right angle
i.e. BC AC We take O as origin, let


, , a b c be the p.v.s. of the points , , A B C w. r. t. origin

OA OB OC = = a b c = =
O is the mid point of AB
AO OB = AO OB = a bor a b = =
Now
( ) ( )
. . AC BC c a c b =
( ) ( )
c b c b = + . . . . c c c b b c b b = +
2
2
c b

=

2 2
0 c c = =
AC BC AC BC
90 ACB =

ACB is right angle


GROUP (F): CLASS WORK PROBLEMS

Q-1) Find two unit vectors perpendicular to vectors 2 6 3 a i j k = + & 4 3 b i j k = +
Ans. Unit vector perpendicular to both
a b
a and b
a b

. (i)
2 6 3
4 3 1
i j k
a b =

( ) ( ) ( ) 6 9 2 12 6 24 i j k = + +
3 14 30 a b i j k = + + .. (ii)
Now, ( ) ( ) ( )
2 2 2
3 14 30 a b = + + 9 196 900 1105 = + + = . (iii)
Put (ii) and (iii) in (i)
Unit vector perpendicular to both a and b n =
( )
3 14 30
1105
i j k + +
=


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Q-2)
If 0 a b c + + = , Prove that a b b c c a = =
Ans.
0 a b c + + =
[ ] 0 a a b c a + + =
( ) ( ) ( )
0 a a a b a c + + =
( ) ( )
0 0 a b a c + + =
a b a c =
a b c a = (i)
0 b a b c b
(
+ + =


( ) ( ) ( )
0 b a b b b c + + =
b a b c =
a b b c = (ii)
From equations (i) and (ii),
a b b c c a = =

Q-3) In any ABC by vector method, prove that
a b c
SinA SinB SinC
= =
Ans. Let ABC
Let (BC) = a, (CA) = b and (AB) = c
0 BC CA AB + + = 0 a b c + + =
Angle between a and b is - C
Angle between b and c is - A
Angle between c and a is - B
( ) sin sin a b ab C ab C = =
( ) sin sin b c bc A bc A = =
( ) sin sin c a ca B ca B = =
Now from (i)
( )
0 a a b c a + + =
0 a a a b a c + + =
0 0 a b a c + + =
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a b a c c a = =

a b c a =
c a a b = (ii)
Similarly (ii) and (iii), we get
a b b c c a = =
sin sin sin ab C bc A ca B = =
Dividing by abc, we get
SinC SinA SinB
c a b
= =
a b c
SinA SinB SinC
= =

Q-4) Prove that ( ) sin sin cos cos sin =
Ans. Consider a unit circle in the xoy plane with the origin as centre. AOB = , AOC =
, where A is on the x = axis.
A (1, 0, 0), B (cos , sin, 0), c(cos, sin,0)
. . cos sin 1 pv of B OB i j and OB = = + = ,
. . cos sin 1 pv of c OC i j and OC = = + =
Consider cos sin 0
cos sin 0
i j k
OC OB

=
( ) ( ) ( ) 0 0 sin cos cos sin i j k = + ( ) sin cos cos sin k = (i)
Also COB = -
( ) [ . .sin ] OC OB OC OB k = sin( )k = (ii)
From (i) and (ii), ( ) sin sin .cos cos .sin =







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Q-5) If a

and
-
b represent adjacent sides of a parallelogram prove that Area a b

=
Ans. Let OACB be a parallelogram,
and OA a OB b = = be the vectors a long
the adjacent sides Draw seg AM side
OB and let AOM =
In AOM

AM
sin
OA
= sin AM OA =
Area of parallelogram
( ) ( ) OACB base height =
( ) ( ) OB OA sin =
sin OA OB =
OA OB =
a b =

Q-6)
If , , , a b c d are four distinct vectors such that a b c d = and a c b d =

prove that a d is parallel b c
Ans. We know that, two non-zero vectors are parallel is their cross product is zero
vector , , , a b c d are distinct vectors.
To show a d and b c are parallel vectors, we have to show
( ) ( )
0 a d b c =
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
a d b c a b c d b c = (distributive law)
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
a b a c d b d c = +
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
a b a c b d c d = +
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
c d b d b d c d = + 0 =
( )
a d is parallel to
( )
b c



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Q-7) If , , , a b c d are three vectors such that 0 a and a b a c = and . . a b a c = .

Show that c b =
Ans.
Given, a b a c =
0 a b a c =
( )
0 a b c =
Given that 0 a , 0 b c = or a is
Perpendicular to
( )
b c . (i)
Also, given
. . a b a c =
( )
. 0 a b c =
Given that 0 a , 0 b c = or a to b c .. (ii)
From (i) and (ii), Vectors a and b c are simultaneously parallel and perpendicular,
but it is impossible
0 b c =
( )
0 a
b c =
Hence proved.

Q-8)
If a b c = and c a b = , then prove that . 1 a a = .
Ans.
a b c =
and c a c b (i)
c a b =
and b c b a (ii)
from (i) and (ii)
, , a b c are mutually perpendicular (iii)
a b c =
a b c =
( ) ( )
sin90 a b c =
a b (i) = c , a a b b
(
= =


c = ab (iv)
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c a b =
sin90 c a b =
ca (1) =b , c c a a
(
= =


(ab) a = b [uning iv]

2
1 a =
. 1 a a =

Q-9) Show that ( )
1
2 3 6
7
i j k + + , ( )
1
3 6 2
7
i j k + and ( )
1
6 2 3
7
i j k + form a right handed
system of mutually perpendicular unit vectors.
Ans.
Let
( )
1
2 3 6
7
a i j k = + +

( )
1
3 6 2
7
b i j k = +

( )
1
6 2 3
7
c i j k = +
( ) ( )
1 1
2 3 6 3 6 2
7 7
a b i j k i j k = + + +

1
2 3 6
49
3 6 2
i j k
=

( ) ( ) ( )
1
6 36 4 18 12 9
49
i j k
(
= + +



( )
1
42 14 21
49
i j k = +

( )
7
6 2 3
49
i j k = +

( )
1
6 2 3
7
i j k c = + =
i.e a b c =
, , a b c form right handed set .(i)
Also and c a c b .(ii)
Now
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( ) ( )
1 1
. 2 3 6 . 3 6 2
7 7
a b i j k i j k = + + +
( ) ( ) ( )
1
2 3 3 6 6 2
49
= + + (


[ ]
1
6 18 12
49
= +
( )
1
0
49
=
0 =
a b .(iii)
From (i) (ii) And (iii)
, , a b c form right handed system of mutually or vectors (iv)
( ) ( ) ( )
2 3 2 1 1
2 3 6 4 9 36
7 7
a = + + = + +
1
7
7
a = 1 a =
a is unit vector
Similarly 1 b c = = ..(v)
, , a b c from right handed system of mutually perpendicular unit vector


GROUP-(G): CLASS WORK EXAMPLES

Q-1) Find [ ] abc if

2 3 a i j k = + + , 2 4 b i j k = + + , 2 c i j k = + +
Ans.
2 1 3
1 2 4
1 1 2
abc
(
=


= 2(4 4) 1(2 4) + 3(1 2)
[ ] 1 abc =





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Q-2) a i j pk = + , 4 b i j k = + , 2 c i j k = + + find p, if [ ] 0 abc =
Ans.
0 abc
(
=


1 1
1 1 4 0
2 1 1
p
=
1(1 + 4) + 1(1 +8) + p(1 2) = 0
14 p = 0 p = 14

Q-3) Find the volume of the parallelepiped if 2 a i = 3 b j = and 4 c k = are the
coterminus edges of the parallelepiped.
Ans.
Volume of parallelepiped = [ ] abc
2 0 0
0 3 0
0 0 4
= = 2 (12) -0 + 0 = 24 cubic units.

Q-4) Show that vectors a i j k = + + , b i j k = + & 2 3 2 c i j k = + + are coplanar.
Ans.
If [ ] 0 abc = then vectors , a b and c are coplanar.
L.H.S.=
1 1 1
1 1 1
2 3 2
abc
(
=

= 1( 2 3) 1(2 2) + 1(3 + 2)= 5 + 5 = 0
= R. H. S. , , , a b c are coplanar vectors.

Q-5) Find the value of if 4 3 i k + , 2i j k + + . 8 2 7 i j k + + are coplanar.
Ans.
Let k i a 3 4 + = ; 2 b i j k = + + ; 8 2 7 c i j k = + +
If the vectors , , a b c are coplanar then [ ] 0 abc =
4 0 3
2 1 0
8 2 7
= ( ) ( ) 4 7 2 3 4 8 0 + = 28 8 12 24 0 + =
4 4 = 1 =




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Q-6) Show that A, B, C, D are coplanar, if A (2, 1, -3), B (3, 3,, 0),
C (7, -1, 4) and D (2, -5, -7).
Ans.
We know that, four points A, B, C, and D are coplanar if [ ] 0 AB AC AD =
( ) ( ) ( ) 3 2 3 1 0 3 AB b a i j k = = + + +
2 3 AB i j k = + +
( ) ( ) ( ) 7 2 1 1 4 3 AC c a i j k = = + + +
5 2 7 AC i j k = +
( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 5 1 7 3 AD d a i j k = = + + + 6 4 j k = +
. . . L H S AB AC AD
(
=


1 2 3
5 2 7
0 6 4
=


= 1(8 + 42) 2(- 20) + 3 (-30)
= 50 + 40 90 = 0 = R. H. S.
, , AB AC AD are coplanar vectors.
The points A, B, C and D are coplanar.

Q-7) Find value of m if points (2, -1, 1), (4, 0, 3), (m, 1, 1), (2, 4, 3) are coplanar.
Ans. Let A (2, -1, 1), B (4, 0, 3), C (m, 1, 1) and D (2, 4, 3)
Given that the points A, B, C, D are coplanar 0 AB AC AD
(
=

(i)
( ) ( ) ( ) 4 2 1 1 3 1 AB b a i j k = = + + +
2 2 AB i j k = + +
( ) ( ) ( ) 2 1 1 1 1 AC c a m i j k = = + + +

( ) 2 2 AC m i j = +
( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 4 1 3 1 AD d a i j k = = + + + 5 2 j k = +
0 AB AC AD
(
=


2 1 2
2 2 0 0
0 5 2
m =
2(4) 1(2m 4) + 2(5m 10) = 0 8 2m + 4 + 10m 20 = 0
8m = 8 m = 1

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Q-8) If O is the origin, A (1,2,3) B(2,3,4) and P(x,y,z) are coplanar points prove that x
2 0 x y z + = , using vector method.
Ans. The points O, A, B and P are coplanar. (given)
[ ] 0 OA OB OP =
2 3 OA a i j k = = + +
2 3 4 OB b i j k = = + +
OP p xi y j zk = = + +
[ ] 0 OA OB OC =
1 2 3
2 3 4 0
x y z
=
( ) ( ) ( ) 1 3 4 2 2 4 3 2 3 0 z y z x y x + =
3 4 4 8 6 9 0 z y z x y x + + =
2 0 x y z + =
2 0 x y z =

Q-9) If A (1, 1, 1), B (2, -1, 3), C (3, -2, -2) and D (3, 3, 4), find the volume of
parallelepiped with segments AB, AC and AD as concurrent edges.
Ans. We know that, the volume of parallelepiped with concurrent edges AB, AC
and AD = , , AB AC AD
(


( ) ( ) ( ) 2 1 1 1 3 1 AB b a i j k = = + +
2 2 AB i j k = +

( ) ( ) ( ) 3 1 2 1 2 1 AC c a i j k = = + +
2 3 3 AC i j k =
( ) ( ) ( ) 3 1 3 1 4 1 AD d a i j k = = + +
2 2 3 AD i j k = + +
volume of parallelepiped
1 2 2
2 3 3
2 2 3

=
= 1 (-9 + 6) + 2 (6 + 6) + 2 (4 + 6)
= -3 + 24 + 20 = 41 cubic units.


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Q-10) Find the volume of a tetrahedron whose vertices are A (3,7,4), B (5,-2, 3),
C (-4,5,6) and D (1,2,3)
Ans. We know that, the volume of tetrahedron ABCD
1
6
AB AC AD
(
=



( ) ( ) ( ) 5 3 2 7 3 4 AB b a i j k = = + +
2 9 AB i j k =
( ) ( ) ( ) 4 3 5 7 6 4 AC c a i j k = = + + 7 2 2 i j k = +
( ) ( ) ( ) 1 3 2 7 3 4 AD d a i j k = = + + 2 5 i j k =
Volume of tetrahedron
1
6
AB AC AD
(
=


2 9 1
1
7 2 2
6
2 5 1
(
(
=
(
(

( ) ( ) ( )
1
2 2 10 9 7 4 1 35 4
6
( = + + +


[ ]
1 1 46
24 24 99 31 92
6 6 3
= + = = cubic units.

Q-11) Prove that [ ] 2[ ] a b b c c a abc + + + =
Ans.
L.H.S = [ ] a b b c c a + + +
( ) ( ) ( )
[ ] a b b c c a = + + +
( )
[ ] a b b c b a c c c a = + + + +
. [ ] . [ ], [ 0] a b c b a c a b b c b a c a c c = + + + + + =

( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
. . . . . . a b c a b a a c a b b c b b a b c a = + + + + +
( ) ( )
. . a b c b c a = +
[ ] [ ] a b c b c a = +
[ ] [ ] a b c a b c = +
2[ ] . . . a b c R H S = =




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Q-12) If 2 5 c a b = + , show that [ ] 0 a b c = if the angle between a and b is
3

,

Also show that
2 2 2
4 10 25 c a ab b = + + , where a a = and b b = .
Ans.
. . [ ] L H S a b c = = [ 2 5 ] 2 5 a b a b c a b + = =
[ 2 ] [ 5 ] ab a ab b = + 2[ ] 5[ ] ab a ab b = + = 2.0 + 5.0 = 0 = R.H.S.
Now, 2 5 c a b = +
( ) ( )
. 2 5 . 2 5 c c a b a b = + +
2
4 . 10 . 10 . 25 . c a a a b b a b b = + + +
( )
2
2
4 20 . 25 . . a a b b a b b a = + + =
( )
2 2 2
4 20 cos 25 ,
3 3
c a ab b

= + + =
2 2 2
1
4 20 25
2
c a ab b = + +
2 2
4 10 25 a ab b = + +

Q-13) Show that the statement ( ).[( ) ( )] 2 . a b b c c a a b c = = is true only when

, a b and c are coplanar.
Ans.
If , a b , c are coplanar then [ ] 0 a b c =
i.e.
( )
. 0 a b c =
( ) ( ) ( )
. . . .[ ] L H S a b b c c a =
( )
.[ ] a b b c b a c c c a = +
( )
.[ ] a b b c a b c a = + +
.[ ] .[ ] a b c a b c a b b c a b c a = + + + +
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
. . . . . . a b c a a b a c a b b c b a b b c a = + + + +
( ) ( )
. . a b c b c a = [ ] [ ] a b c b c a = [ ] [ ] a b c a b c = = 0.

2 . a b c 2[ ] a b c = = 2.0 = 0 [ , , ] a b c are coplanar .





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154
Q-14) If 2 3 a i j k = , 2 b i j k = + and 2 3 c i j k = + + . Find [ ] a b c . State with

reasons whether [ ] a b c is a right handed or left handed triplet.
Ans.
2 1 3
2 1 1
1 2 3
a b c

(
=


=2(-3 2) + 196 1) 3(4 + 1)
=2(-5) + (5) 3(5)
= -10 + 5 15 = -20
Since [ ] a b c is negative
a b c is left handed triplet.

Q-15) If 2 u i j k = + , 3 v i k = + and w j k = then find the value of

( ) ( ) ( )
. u w u v v w
(
+

.
Ans. let ( ) ( ) 2 u w i j k j k i j + = + + = (i)

Let 1 2 1
3 0 1
i j k
b u v = = = 2 4 6 i j k + + . (ii)
Let 3 0 1
0 1 1
i j k
c v w = =

3 3 i j k = + + . (iii)
Now
( ) ( ) ( )
.[ ] u w u v v w +
( )
1 1 0
2 4 6
1 3 3
a b c a bc

(
= = =

= (-1) (12 18) + 1 (-6 + 6) + 0 (-6 + 4) = (-1) (-6) + 0 + 0 = 6
( ) ( ) ( )
. 6 u w u v v w
(
+ =










Mahesh Tutorials Science
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Q-16) If a b c are three non coplanar vectors then find the value of

. .
. .
a b c a b c
c a b c a b

+


Ans.
. . [ ] [ ]
. . [ ] [ ]
a b c a b c abc bac
c a b c a b c ab c ab

+ = +


[ ] [ ]
[ ] [ ]
abc abc
c ab c ab

= +
[ ] [ ]
1 1 0
[ ] [ ]
abc abc
abc abc
= = =

Q-17)
a b c are three non-coplanar vectors. If , ,
b c c a a b
p q r
abc abc abc

= = =
( ( (


then prove that
(i) . . . 3 a p b q c r + + =
(ii)
( ) ( ) ( )
. . . 3 a b p b c q c a r + + + + + =
Ans. i) L.H.S. . . . a p b q c r = + +

( ) ( ) ( )
. . .
[ ] [ ] [ ]
a b c b c a c a b
abc abc abc

= + +
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ]
abc bc a c ab
abc
+ +
=
[ ] [ ] [ ] 3[ ]
3
[ ] [ ]
abc abc abc abc
abc abc
+ +
= = =
ii) L.H.S. =
( ) ( ) ( )
. . . a b p b c q c a r + + + + +
( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( )
( )
.
[ ] [ ] [ ]
b c b c c a a b
a b c a
abc abc abc
+
= + + + +
Since abc
(

is a scalar. Let abc
(

= k
( ) ( )
( )
1
. .
b c
a b p a b abc abc
k k
+
( (
+ = + = +

{ }
1
0 a b c
k
(
= +


1 1
0 1 a b c k
k k
(
= = =


Similarly
( )
. 1 b c q + =
And
( )
. 1 c a r + =
( ) ( ) ( )
. . . 1 1 1 3 a b p b c q c a r + + + + + = + + =

Mahesh Tutorials Science
Vectors
156
Q-18) Prove that [ ] 0 a b b c c a =
Ans.
L.H.S.=
( ) ( ) ( )
. a b b c c a
(



( )
[ ] a b b c b a c c c a = +
( )
0 a b b c b a c a
(
= +


( ) ( ) ( )
. . 0 0 0 0 . a b c a b a b c a + + [ ] [ ] a b c b c a =
[ ] [ ] a b c a b c = = 0.

Q-19) If the vectors a i + j + k, I + b j + k, I + j + ck (a b c 1) are coplanar then
show that
1 1 1
1.
1 1 1 a b c
+ + =


Ans. Let p ai j k = + + , q i bj k = + + , r i j ck = + + and , , p q r are coplanar.

[ ] 0 pqr =
1 1
1 1 0
1 1
a
pqr b
c
(
= =


Applying C1 C2 and C2 C3
1 0 1
0 1 1 0
1 1
a
b
c c c

=


by taking (a 1), (b 1), (1 c) common
( ) ( ) ( )
1
1 0
1
1
1 1 1 0 1 0
1
1 1
1
a
a b c
b
c
c

= =

a b c 1
(a -1) (b 1) (c 1) 0
1
1 0
1
1
0 1 0
1
1 1
1
a
b
c
c

( )
1 1
1 0
1 1 1
c
c b a
| |
+ =
|

\

1 1
0
1 1 1
c
c b a
=


1 1
0
1 1 1
c
c b a
+ + =


Mahesh Tutorials Science
Vectors
157


1 1
1 1
1 1 1
c
c b a
| |
+ + + =
|

\

1 1 1
1
1 1 1
c c
c b a
+
+ + =


1 1
1
1 1 1
c
c b a
+ + =



Q-20) If
( ) ( ) ( )
d a b u b c c a = + + . Find
( )
. d a b c + + Also if
1
8
abc
(
=

.

Show that + u + d =
( )
8 . d a b c
(
+ +


Ans.
( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
. . d a b c a b u b c c a a b c
(
+ + = + + + +


[ . . . ] [ . . . ] [ . . . ] a b a a b b a b c b c a b c b b c c c a a c a b c a c = + + + + + + + +
0 0 . . 0 0 0 . 0 a b c u b c a c a b
( ( (
= + + + + + + + +


abc u bca cab
( ( (
= + +

( ) abc
(
= + +


If
1
8
abc
(
=

i.e.
( )
( )
1
.
8
d a b c u + + = + + = , + u + d =
( )
8 . d a b c
(
+ +



Q-21) Show that if four points A, B, C D with position vectors , , a b c , d are

coplanar then bcd cad abd abc
( ( ( (
+ + =


Ans. four points A, B, C, D are coplanar
AB AC AD are also coplanar
0 AB AC AD
(
=


( )
. 0 AB AC AD =

( ) ( ) ( )
. 0 b a c a d a
(
=


( )
. 0 b a c d c a a d a a
(
+ =


( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
. . . . . . 0 b c d b c a b a d a c d a c a a a d + + = 0 a a
(
=


0 bc d bc a bad ac d ac a aad
( ( ( ( ( (
+ + =


0 0 0 bc d abc abd c ad
( ( ( (
+ + =


bc d abd c ad abc
( ( ( (
+ + =



Mahesh Tutorials Science
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158
Q-22)
If 3 c a b = + , show that, 0 abc
(
=

Also, if
2 2 2
3 3 c a ab ab = + + , prove

that the angle between a and b is
6

.
Ans.
3 c a b = +
i.e c is linear combination of and a b
, , a b c are coplanar
0 abc
(
=


3 c a b = +
3 c a b = +
Squaring both sides.
2 2
3 c a b = +
( ) ( )
2
3 . 3 c a b a b = + +
2
. 3 . 3 . . c a a a b b a ab b = + + +
2 2 2
6 . 9 c a a b b = + +
( )
2 2 2
6 6 cos 9
6
c a a b

= + +
2 2 2
3
6 . 9
2
c a a b b = + +
2 2 2
3
6 . 9
2
c a ab b = + +
2 2 2
3 3 9 c a ab b = + +